Undisclosed Desire: An Alpha Billionaire Romance: + bonus novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

being so naive.
    "You're just saying that," I whisper. "To get into my pants."
    A faint smirk flees across his handsome face. "I am not denying that I would love that. I would love to get a chance to pursue this and see if I am reading you correctly, if I am interpreting what I feel when I look at the right way – or if I am just imagining things and so desperate to find someone who mesmerizes me, that I am projecting things onto you that aren't there."
    He pauses for a moment and looks at me, waiting and searching for a reaction. But all I do is staring at him. With disbelief – and desire. I know I want him. His hand on my face feels warm and comfortable, weirdly familiar. His touch soothes me and sends shivers of yearning through my body.
    "But," he adds. "I might lose interest if you keep insulting me."
    I cannot suppress a little laugh at that. A giggle, shy and insecure like the young girl I never wanted to be, resonates between us and lifts the veil of tension.
    And just as I am about to object him, he leans forward and kisses me. His lips meet mine with the force of surprise. My instincts tell me to shy away from a sudden kiss like this, but I don't want to.
    Instead, I hear myself let out a little moan as I lean into him. His tongue explores mine with an unknown eagerness. It feels so right, so insanely hot. He is a brilliant kisser, so passionate and sensual, without forcing it too much. My heart has never skipped beats the way it does during this first, unusually intimate kiss we share.
    His facial expression has changed after we part from each other. He moves back slowly, his hand still on my cheek and his eyes on mine. But again, there is no triumphant smile. No sign of a predator who is joyous about the fact that he succeeded in capturing his prey.
    His face shows nothing but disbelief.
    "Nicky," I blurt out. "My name is Nicky."
    I instantly feel sorry for disturbing the beautiful silence that has marked the most intimate moment I have shared with anybody in a long time. But it felt right. It was this kiss, which finally convinced me that he has a right to know my name. My real name, even.
    He looks at me with that same disbelieving expression he portrayed directly after our kiss ended, showing no reaction to what I have said.
    "Is that your real name?" he asks eventually.
    I nod in silence.
    He smiles and continues to caress my cheek with his thumb, gently and lovingly, as if I was the most precious being he has ever seen.
    "Nice to meet you, Nicky," he whispers. "That is a cute name. Well fit for a sparkling lady like you."
    "I don't know about the 'lady' part," I say, trying to be funny. "But thank you."
    "Now, Nicky," he says. "Do you trust me?"
    I look up at him. His face is stern now, concentrated.
    "Why?" I ask.
    "Would you trust me enough to come with me," he explains. "To a place where we can be alone."
    "Your place?"
    He shakes his head. "Not exactly. But similar. A hotel."
    I frown.
    "I know," he says. "You are not used to this. And you probably despise it. But do you think you could cast your ideals and your skepticism aside for tonight and just let me invite you?"
    I look at him, still frowning and pondering. He feels comfortable – but this invite does not.
    It's not the first time that something like this comes up. I’m no prude mind you. I do whatever I feel like, even when it’s not ladylike.
    But I would insist on paying half of the room in these situations. And I would like to do that tonight as well. The problem is: I am completely broke and really shouldn't spend any more money tonight than I already have.
    He looks at me, observing my inner struggle. The concern his gorgeous face is showing, appears to be real. I wish it was easier for me to trust people – and especially men. And I wish it was easier for me to love the gold digger lifestyle.
    But I just can't.
    "I'm sorry, I –"
    "Nicky," he interrupts me. "Be a little crazy."
    I look at him with confusion. "Crazy, huh?"
    "Yes," he